CONVENTIONS OF OPENING SCENES

Georgia Burfoot

WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THE OPENING OF A FILM?

• The opening of the film is probably one of the most important parts of the film itself as it has to catch the audience’s attention and entice them into watching the entire film, which is beneficial to the filming company in order to make money.

• Also, the opening of the film should be able to inform the audience of the genre of film, and introduces them to the characters, allowing them to become emotionally attached to them.

Aspects of openings:

ESTABLISHING THE SHOT• This type of opening is used to establish the setting of where the film may

be taking place, informing the audience on the setting of the film.

• Depending on the type of area, establishing the setting of the film could give an insight to the genre of film.

FLASH BACKS• This is where the opening scene is set in a earlier setting to give an

insight into the characters life before a key event in the film. • The flashback usually goes back to the main characters

childhood/adolescence

NARRATION• This is a very effective way of opening a film as it allows the audience to

get involved with the film straight away. • Usually this type of opening helps to give background information to the

audience, like what has happened so far in order to give the audience the plot of the film, other main characters.

• This is important as it gives an insight to the film and allows the audience to follow the story of the film without becoming confused.

ACTION SHOT/CHASE SHOT• Usually a fast paced scene like an action scene is a very effective way of

gaining the audience’s attention very promptly.• If the scene is very exciting, it will help to hook the audience in so they

would give their full attention to the film.• Usually, it will make the audience want to discover why the character is

being chased, attaching them to the story.• It also helps to show the audience the genre of film as, usually, you would

associate a chasing scene with an action film.

OPENING CREDITS• This would usually show the people who have helped to produce the film,

along with the actors names and the characters names whom they have been playing.

TITLE SEQUENCE• This is used to inform the audience what the film is and also who helped

to endorse it.• Usually, there are logos which show which companies have endorsed the

film.• If the film has a high budget, the logos would usually help to tie in with

the genre of the film.

ANIMATION SHOT• This is used to portray the start of the film in a creative and imaginative

way in order to grab the audiences attention. • It can also be used to show the contrast between reality and the

imagination of the characters in the film.

PHOTO COMPILATION• It can be used to show memories that had occurred before the time

where the film is set, giving background information to the user.• It can also be used to present the theme of the film to the audience.

SOUNDTRACK/MUSIC OPENING• The style, tempo, tone and volume of the music that opens the film sets

up the mood for the film and the changes of the music will then affect that mood throughout the film.